Leda is one of Australia’s largest privately held property development and investment companies, operating for almost five decades. Since 1976, Leda has forged an extensive legacy spanning residential, retail, industrial, and commercial sectors, earning a robust standing in property investment and development.
Identifying opportunities since 1976.
Leda was established in 1976 by Executive Chairman Bob Ell, a former carpenter from Sydney, building their first shopping centre in Nowra now known as Coles.
The decade of industrial evolution begins.
Leda began increasing its footprint in the industrial sector, identifying opportunities in areas from South Sydney through to the airport.
Expanding its reach
The residential division of Leda was born with a small 800 square metre development in Rushcutters Bay.
This established Leda’s operations to be synonymous with industrial, retail, residential, and commercial developments.
Leda on the move
In February 1987 Leda Limited was listed on the Australian Stock Exchange, 12 months later the Executive Chairman reported a 25 per cent increase in the group’s nett assets.
The South Point Shopping Centre and the Morayfield Shopping Centre was completed with a combined 315 stores.
These centres are still in operation today.
Moving to the Capital
Leda’s first Listing saw the company with two major assets – a head office in Milson’s point and a Major shopping centre at Tuggeranong, Leda’s first development in the ACT.
It was also the year the famous Clocktower Square was completed in Harrington Street in Sydney's historical Rocks precinct.
Logan Hyperdome and Quay Residential
Leda took on the development of the Logan Hyperdome in Queensland, the largest shopping centre in Logan City and one of the largest single storey shopping centres in Australia.
The company also finished the development of the 544 lot residential subdivision of the Island Quays in Robina, the development would support the 25,000 people living there today.
Gathering Pace
Leda’s snowballing development activity in Brisbane gathered further momentum with a wave of major commitments announced for its planned $100 million Morayfield complex.
The project proposed to have a net lettable area of 35,000 sqm with commitments achieved for an 8,000 sqm Big W and a 5,000 sqm Woolworths as well as a 4,000 sqm Franklins.
Connecting Sydney
Hunter Connection was completed and was one of many of Leda’s developments that would play an integral role in the façade of Sydney today.
Next generation
Bob’s son Robert would join the ranks of Leda, creating a new generation of success for Leda.
Robert is the Managing Director of Leda Holdings since 2004.
Towering above
The completion of the famous Victoria Towers in Sydney right next to Hyde Park and Town Hall station.
Reaching new heights
Leda took on the development of the commercial space of 20 Hunter Street in the heart of Sydney.
This prestigious building includes 16 storeys of office space and include retail and a CBD car park.
Shopping centre developments
The shopping centre developments would continue to grow with addition of Ipswitch Riverlink Shopping Centre supporting 166 shops, divided by a train line into two areas.
This came two years after the opening of the Victoria Point Shopping Centre, built to house 99 specialty stores.
The Meadows
Leda completed the 1200 homes at Pimpama in Queensland, an estate known today as the Meadows. It would be the start of the great housing boom in Coomera.
Housing
Leda added to its portfolio the site at Coomera, making it the powerhouse of residential development surrounding the Gold Coast.
Leda’s footprint spans the south coast of NSW, through Western Sydney, up into Southern Queensland, with over 20,000 residential lots currently being developed.
Leda Holdings triples money in four years
Leda Holdings tripled its money in four years with the sale of an industrial site in south-west Sydney. Leda Holdings bought the 7.7-hectare holding in Milperra for $52 million in 2018 – well before COVID-19 ignited both e-commerce demand and sector pricing – and sold it to industrial property giant ESR for $152 million.
This is a demonstration of how valuable industrial land has become since 2020. As demand increases, Industrial land and building prices have continued to rise.
New Leda Headquarters
In 2023, Leda moved their Sydney Headquarters to the City Mutual Building, 66 Hunter Street, Sydney which was constructed in 1936. City Mutual Building is culturally significant at a national level as a rare example of Art Deco architecture. The tallest building in Sydney at the time of its construction, the City Mutual building remains an inspiring landmark.
The design is significant for its principal features of the fully serviced modern office skyscraper, including integrated air conditioning, basement car parking and automatically controlled lifts.
Built to incorporate two major street facades addressing both Hunter and Bligh Street. Leda occupies the whole top floor.
Plans have been lodged for a 68 industrial unit development in Greater Western Sydney.
Plans have been lodged for a 68 industrial unit development in Greater Western Sydney.
Almost 150 lots at the Kings Forest housing estate will be released in coming months.
Almost 150 lots at the Kings Forest housing estate will be released in coming months.
Leda Holdings are planning around 4000 homes for the 161ha Coomera Quarter parcel.
Leda Holdings are planning around 4000 homes for the 161ha Coomera Quarter parcel.
Almost 150 lots at the Kings Forest housing estate will be released in coming months.
Almost 150 lots at the Kings Forest housing estate will be released in coming months.
Leda Holdings are planning around 4000 homes for the 161ha Coomera Quarter parcel.
Leda Holdings are planning around 4000 homes for the 161ha Coomera Quarter parcel.